Computer-based system and method for playing a bingo-like game

ABSTRACT

A device for playing a bingo-style game including an input device for receiving user inputs; a display for displaying a graphic user interface (GUI); and a processor. The GUI includes a five column by five row random number display matrix; five display regions; and a plurality of user-actuatable icons. The processor includes a first random number generator for generating five sets of random numbers for display by the five column by five row random number display matrix, in which the five sets of random numbers are grouped in a predetermined range. The processor also includes a second random number generator which responds to the user inputs corresponding to actuation of the actuation icon by the user for generating a sixth set of random numbers for display by the five display regions. The processor compares the sixth set of random numbers displayed in the five display regions with the numbers in the columns of the display matrix, and allows the processor to automatically cover the matching number in the display matrix. The processor determines whether the display matrix has five numbers covered in a row, in a column, or in a diagonal, and generates a bingo indication signal for indicating a bingo condition.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This disclosure relates to computer-based games and, more specifically, to a computer-based system and method for playing a bingo-like game.

2. Description of the Related Art

The game of bingo has for many years been a popular game to play by people of all ages. Bingo's popularity as a gambling game has grown to the point where gambling casinos have set up bingo games in recent years as an added attraction for their players. However, attempts to implement the game of bingo into a slot machine have been few and unsuccessful.

For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,743,024 to Helm et al. discloses an amusement arcade machine for playing the game of bingo. As disclosed, the machine comprises a display panel having a fixed matrix of numbers corresponding to row and column positions, a handle, and two spin reels, one reel corresponding to a row position number and one reel corresponding to a column position number. The game is played by causing the machine to spin one or both of the reels in an attempt to match the numbers on the fixed display matrix. However, the game does not use random bingo cards typically found in the game of bingo and relies on the player's skill in attempting to stop the spinning reels at the right time to win the game. Accordingly, it is believed that the machine disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,743,024 fails to recreate the fun and enjoyment associated with the game of bingo. Further, the disclosed machine cannot be played by more than one player.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a computer-based system and method for playing a bingo-like game.

It is another object of the invention to provide a computer-based system and method for playing a bingo-like game in which a player may utilize one or more display matrices.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a computer-based system and method for playing a bingo-like game in which two or more players may compete against each other.

SUMMARY

It is recognized that bingo may be implemented in a more enjoyable manner to provide both multi-user play and to allow users to have greater selection and strategic interaction with the game as well as to compete with other players.

A device for playing a bingo-style game including an input device for receiving user inputs; a display for displaying a graphic user interface (GUI); and a processor. The GUI includes a five column by five row random number display matrix; five display regions, each display region corresponding to each column of the display matrix; and a plurality of user-actuatable icons, including an actuation icon. The processor responds to the user inputs for executing an application program to cause the display of the GUI. The processor includes a first random number generator for generating five sets of random numbers for display by the five column by five row random number display matrix, in which the five sets of random numbers are generated such that the first set includes random numbers ranging from 1 to 15; the second set includes random numbers ranging from 16 to 30; the third set includes random numbers ranging from 31 to 45; the four set includes random numbers ranging from 46 to 60; and the fifth set includes random numbers ranging from 61 to 75; and each set of random numbers is generated without repetition within the respective set. The processor also includes a second random number generator, comparing means, and determining means.

The second random number generator responds to the user inputs corresponding to actuation of the actuation icon by the user for generating a sixth set of random numbers for display by the five display regions. The comparing means compares the sixth set of random numbers displayed in the five display regions with the numbers in the corresponding columns of the display matrix, and, if they match, allows the processor to respond to user inputs corresponding to selected matching numbers, to automatically cover the matching number in the display matrix. The determining means determines whether the display matrix has five numbers covered in a row, five numbers covered in a column, five numbers covered in a diagonal, or all of the numbers are covered, and generates a bingo indication signal for indicating a bingo condition.

In an alternate embodiment,

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features of the disclosed computer-based system and method will become more readily apparent and may be better understood by referring to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment of the present invention, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, where:

FIG. 1 is a front view of an embodiment of the present invention showing a slot machine designed for playing the game of bingo;

FIGS. 2A-2D are illustrations showing certain winning bingo combinations;

FIGS. 3A-3D are illustrations of various ways to select which boxes within the display matrix are to be covered before playing a one player slot machine embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a front view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention showing a slot machine designed for playing the game of bingo with two or more players; and

FIGS. 5-14 are display screens of another embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now in specific detail to the drawings, with like reference numerals identifying similar or identical elements, FIG. 1 is a front view of an embodiment of the present invention showing a slot machine design for playing the game of bingo. The slot machine 1 includes a graphic user interface (GUI) including a display matrix 3 comprised of five rows of blocks by five columns of blocks as would be typically found on a bingo game card. As will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art, the display matrix 3 can be a series of television screens for displaying numbers within each block, a single screen subdivided into blocks for displaying numbers, individual display screens per block, or other display systems as would be found on slot machines, video games, computer systems, and the like. The display matrix 3 is designed so that when activated, random numbers are displayed in each block of the display matrix 3. Preferably, the numbers range from 1 to 75 and are limited to a specific range within a column of blocks. For example, of the five blocks corresponding to the first column of the display matrix 3, the possible numbers available for each block would range from 1 to 15. The second column of blocks would range from numbers 16 to 30, the third column of blocks would range from numbers 31 through 45, the fourth column would range from numbers 46 through 60, and the fifth column would range from numbers 61 through 75. As in the game of bingo, the machine is designed such that no number will appear twice within the display matrix 3.

The slot machine 1 is also configured with a slot machine activating arm 5 and coin slot 9 as would be typically found in a slot machine. The GUI of the slot machine 1 further includes five separate slot machine wheels (not shown) each having a display window, 7 a, 7 b, 7 c, 7 d, and 7 e. Each wheel and window corresponds to a column of the display matrix 3. Therefore, the first wheel and window 7 a would correspond to the first column of the display matrix, the second wheel and window 7 b corresponds to the second column, and so forth. Modifications to existing five wheel slot machines, for example the Bally Manufacture Corporation's five wheel slot machines model Nos. 1019-1 and 1019-222, are possible but preferably, a custom slot machine design would be used to implement the present invention.

The slot machine 1 also includes a “Free Spin” combination display light and button 13 and an “End Of Game” display light 15. Other combination display light and buttons on the machine include a “Press To Start” button 11, Joker “Select” and “Hold” buttons 25 and 27 respectively, and a “Release My Winnings” button 23. Further, in addition to the five wheel display windows, there is a “Next Spin” window 17, a “Cost” per spin window 19, and a cumulative “Winnings” window 21.

Each wheel corresponding to display windows 7 a-7 e includes a range of numbered positions which corresponds to the range of numbers within each column. For example, the first wheel corresponds to the first column of the display matrix 3 and includes numbered positions in the range of the first column, that is, positions numbered 1 through 15. Similarly, the second wheel corresponds to the second column and includes positions numbered 16 through 30, the third wheel corresponds to the third column and includes positions numbered 31 through 45, the fourth wheel corresponds to the fourth column in the display matrix and includes positions numbered 46 through 60, and the fifth wheel corresponds to the fifth column and includes positions numbered 61 through 75.

It has been found that a bingo game played on the slot machine in this and similar embodiments can be enhanced when the wheels include special positions in addition to the numbered positions. Examples of special positions which have been found to enhance the game include a “Free Spin” position, as shown in window 7 e, which would allow the player an extra spin if displayed, a lose winnings or “Devil” position (not shown) which would immediately eliminate any cumulative winnings, a “Gold Star” position, as shown in window 7 c, which would allow the player additional winnings if displayed, a “Lemon” position (not shown) which has a null value, and a “Joker” position, as shown in window 7 d, which would allow a player to select any uncovered block within the display matrix column corresponding to the wheel. In a preferred embodiment, the first, third, and fifth wheels would each include positions for three Jokers, one Gold Star, and one Lemon, and the second and fourth wheels would each include positions for two Jokers, one Free Spin, one Devil, and one Gold Star. Accordingly, each wheel would have a total of twenty possible positions. The following Table 1 summarizes the positions on each wheel: TABLE 1 1st Wheel 2nd Wheel 3rd Wheel 4th Wheel 5th Wheel Positions Positions Positions Positions Positions 1 thru 15 16 thru 30 31 thru 45 46 thru 60 61 thru 75 3 Jokers 2 Jokers 3 Jokers 2 Jokers 3 Jokers 1 Gold Star 1 Gold Star 1 Gold Star 1 Gold Star 1 Gold Star 1 Lemon 1 Devil 1 Lemon 1 Devil 1 Lemon 1 Free Spin 1 Free Spin

Further, it has been found that increasing the cost per spin as the game is played adds to the excitement of the game. An example increase schedule which has been found to work well is: five dollars for the first through fifth spins, ten dollars for the sixth and seventh spins, and twenty dollars for the eighth, ninth and tenth spins. As discussed below, no more than ten spins are possible. To alert the player of the increasing cost per spin, the cost for the next spin is displayed in the Cost window 19.

With the above in mind, playing bingo on the apparatus of the present invention can now be described. The object of the game is to match and cover all the numbers on the display matrix with a maximum of only 10 spins. There are 13 possible winning combinations: covering a complete row of five blocks (five combinations), covering a complete column of five blocks (five combinations), and covering a diagonal line of five blocks in either direction (two combinations), or completely covering the entire display matrix. FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D show respectively example horizontal, vertical, and diagonal winning combinations. As will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art, additional or fewer possible winning combinations can be used.

To begin playing the game, a player presses the Press To Start button 11 which causes the machine to activate the display matrix and generate 25 random numbers in each of the blocks of the display as discussed above. After the display matrix displays a new set of randomly chosen numbers and the player decides to play, the player must insert a coin or chip to the coin slot 9. If for any reason the player does not begin to play, the numbers on the screen return to a random flashing mode after approximately 16 seconds.

After inserting a coin or chip, the machine will then “cover” preferably 12 blocks of the display matrix before the first spin. It has been found that providing a player with 12 pre-covered blocks enhances the game playing by increasing the odds in favor of the player. Further, it has been found that it is preferred that the machine, in deciding which of the 25 blocks within the matrix to cover, does not cover more than three blocks in any column or row and not more than two blocks in any diagonal line. Further still, it has been found that the particular pattern shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 3A, wherein the first three blocks of the first and fifth columns are covered, the last two blocks of the second and fourth columns are covered, and the first and last blocks of the third column are covered, enhances the odds of winning and makes the game more exciting to play. As will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art, the symmetrical pattern shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 3A can be inverted as shown in FIG. 3B or rotated 90 degrees in either direction as shown in FIG. 3C and FIG. 3D and still result in the same enhanced game excitement.

After the display matrix pre-covers 12 blocks, the Next Spin window 17 then lights up with a message “Ready To Play” and the player can now pull the arm 5 to start the game. Pulling the arm 5 causes the five wheels to begin spinning in a known slot machine type manner. Further, the Next Spin window 17 will advance one number and the Cost window 19 is updated to indicate the required amount to be inserted before another spin can be taken. The game has a maximum of 10 spins including any free spins taken. After 10 spins, the game is over and the End of Game light 15 will flash.

After the five wheels spin for a period of time, the machine stops the wheels at a randomly selected position such that one of the twenty possible wheel positions are displayed in each wheel's respective display window 7 a-7 e. If a selected numbered wheel position matches a number within the wheel's corresponding column in the display matrix, that number in the display matrix column will then be covered. Thus, for example, if the first wheel displays a number which corresponds to a number in the first column of the display matrix, that number in the display matrix is then covered. Similarly, if the second wheel displays a number which corresponds a number to the second column of the display matrix, that number in the second column of the display matrix is covered, and so on for the third through fifth wheels.

If a Free Spin position is displayed, a light in the Free Spin combination display light and button 13 lights up. Preferably, a player is allowed to accumulate two free spins on any pull of the arm. Accordingly, two lights can be used within the Free Spin button 13 to show the availability of up to two free spins. If a player decides to use a free spin, the player merely presses the free spin button instead of inserting a coin or chip and pulls the arm 5 as discussed above.

If a Joker position is displayed by a wheel, the player then has the option to select which of the blocks within the column corresponding to the Joker is to be covered. Specifically, by pressing the Select button 25, the player can select through the available uncovered numbered blocks within the corresponding column until the particular block the player is interested in is covered. The player then presses the Hold button 27 to select the block. For example, if the player received a Joker in the fourth column as shown in FIG. 1, the player would press the Select button 25 which would then cause the number 60 lock to be covered. By pressing the Select button 25 again, the number 56 would be covered. By pressing the Select button 25 yet again, the number 51 would be covered. By pressing the Select button 25 yet again, the number 60 would then be re-covered and so on until the player decides which number block is to be covered by pressing the hold button 27.

After the spin is complete and the player has selected which block to cover if there is a Joker, the machine then determines whether the player has a bingo combination, that is, whether five blocks either in a row, in a column, or diagonally are now covered. If the player does have a bingo combination, the machine automatically updates the winnings window 21 with the winnings associated with the particular bingo combination.

All prize money won from each spin accumulates and is displayed in the winnings window 21. A player can take their winnings after any spin, ending the game, by pressing the Release My Winnings button 23.

It has been found that the following winnings schedule provides a balance between winning, losing, and investing in each spin: five dollars for each number covered; five dollars for each Gold Star; twenty dollars for each five block row, column, or diagonal combination; fifty dollars for two diagonal combinations; one hundred dollars for filling the display matrix in 10 spins; five hundred dollars for filling the display matrix in 9 spins; one thousand dollars for filling the display matrix in 8 spins; five thousand dollars for filling the display matrix in 7 spins; ten thousand dollars for filling the display matrix in 6 spins; and twenty five thousand dollars for filling the display matrix in 5 spins.

As will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art, more than one display matrix can be implemented on a single machine to allow a player to play more than one bingo display. This embodiment would allow further mimicking of the typical game of bingo where a bingo player often plays more than one bingo card to increase the chance of winning.

FIG. 4 illustrates an alternative two-player embodiment. Specifically, FIG. 4 is an illustration of a embodiment of the present invention for use in a television game show. The bingo slot machine 101 includes a display matrix 103, an activating arm 105, wheel position display windows 107 a-107 e, a number of spins window 117, and two player cumulative winning windows 122 and 124.

This embodiment is played in a similar manner as described above. However, instead of 12 pre-covered positions, the display matrix 103 is completely uncovered at the beginning of the game. Further, the maximum number of spins is 16 plus additional free spins not to exceed a total of 20 spins per game. Finally, other special wheel positions, for example a free gift as shown in wheel display window 107 e, can be used as is typical in the revision game shows.

The following Table 2 lists the various wheel positions for a preferred embodiment of the two player game. TABLE 2 1st Wheel 2nd Wheel 3rd Wheel 4th Wheel 5th Wheel Positions Positions Positions Positions Positions 1 thru 15 16 thru 30 31 thru 45 46 thru 60 61 thru 75 3 Jokers 3 Jokers 3 Jokers 2 Jokers 3 Jokers 1 Gold Star 1 Gold Star 1 Gold Star 1 Gold Star 1 Gold Star 1 Gift 1 Devil 1 Free Spin 1 Devil 1 Gift 1 Free Spin

In the two or more player embodiment, the object of the game is to win the most money. As with the single player embodiment, there are various ways to win money: cover a vertical or horizontal line of blocks in the display matrix, cover a diagonal line of blocks in the display matrix, cover all of the blocks in the display matrix, spin a Gold Star, or spin a Free Gift. Preferably, a player can only win one free gift per round and will only collect on the gift if the player wins the round. Optionally, the value of the gift can be included in a player's cumulative winnings.

Other differences between the one player and the two-player embodiment rules include the following are: when a player spins a Free Spin, the player must use the free spin immediately or lose it; when a player spins a Devil, only wheels displaying matching numbers or a Joker are valid but no money value is received, all other wheel positions are void and the player's accumulated winnings including gifts are erased.

Further, after 16 spins, including free spins, either player can buy additional extra spins at a preferred rate of one-hundred dollars per spin assuming the player has accumulated more than $100.00 and no more than twenty spins in total have not taken place.

The game is played in a series of rounds, preferably three, with each player accumulating winnings. After three rounds, the player with the highest winnings is allowed to keep his winnings and advance to a single player final round. The values for receiving a winning combination change between the rounds. In the first round, the preferred winning schedule is: fifty dollars for each numbered covered, two-hundred and fifty dollars for each line covered (vertical, horizontal, or diagonal) or Gold Star received, and one-thousand dollars for covering the entire display matrix. The cost of an extra spin is one-hundred dollars. In the second round, the preferred winning schedule is: one-hundred dollars for each number covered, five-hundred dollars for each line covered or Gold Star received, and two-thousand dollars for covering the entire display matrix. The cost of an extra spin is two-hundred dollars.

In the third round, the preferred winning schedule is: two hundred dollars for each number covered, one-thousand dollars for each line covered or Gold Star received, and four-thousand dollars for covering the entire display matrix. The cost of an extra spin is three hundred dollars. The fourth and final round is played by the player with the highest accumulated winnings after the three rounds. The winning player plays the final round using the same machine except that before the player plays the game, twelve blocks are covered, preferably in a manner as described above and illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3D. Further, the player is only allowed ten spins, including the use of an acquired or previously accumulated free spins, provided the player has not lost same by spinning a Devil position. The final round player can also buy up to three spins from the player's accumulated winnings: the first spin costing five-hundred dollars, the second spin costing one-thousand dollars, and the third spin costing one-thousand five-hundred dollars. Further, the winning schedule changes: two-thousand five-hundred for each Gold Star, five-thousand dollars for covering both diagonals, and twenty-thousand dollars for covering the entire display matrix. If the player spins a Gift position, the player receives gifts that were not won in the previous three rounds.

Alternate variations on the game can be made. For example, one can vary the number of spins, the number of purchasable extra spins, and/or the amount of money awarded for winning combinations. In a preferred alternate final round, the final player can have sixteen spins and purchase four additional spins for a maximum of twenty free spins. In this embodiment, the first extra spin would cost four-hundred dollars, the second free spin would cost six-hundred dollars, the third flip spin would cost one-thousand dollars, and the fourth free spin would cost two-thousand dollars.

As will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art, variations of the present method and apparatus can be designed and built without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. For example, various embodiments can be fully incorporated into software and played on a computer or similar device. Alternatively, various embodiments may be implemented as a video game or hand-held video game with the program implemented as an integrated circuit game card, CD-ROM, or other similar video game format.

Alternative Embodiment

With reference to FIGS. 5-14 there are shown display screens of an alternate embodiment of the present invention. The display screens include a GUI 500 displayed by a display 502 of a computing device, such as a computerized slot machine similar to the slot machine shown by FIG. 1 and described above, a personal computer, PDA, etc. The GUI 500 includes a five column by five row random number display matrix 504 having a plurality of blocks 505; five display regions 506, each display region corresponding to each column of the display matrix 504; and an actuation icon 508.

The computing device includes a processor, responsive a user input via the actuation icon 508, for executing an application program to cause a first random number generator of the processor for generating five sets of random numbers for display by the five column by five row random number display matrix 504. The five sets of random numbers are generated such that, unlike the above-described embodiments, each set includes random numbers ranging from 1 to 75. Each set of random numbers is generated without repetition within the respective set and the other sets. In other words, a random number is only capable of being displayed once by the display matrix 504 after receiving the user input via the actuation icon 508.

The processor further includes: a second random number generator, responsive to the user input corresponding to actuation of the actuation icon 508 by the user, for generating a sixth set of random numbers for display by the five display regions 506; a comparator for comparing the sixth set of random numbers displayed in the five display regions 506 with the numbers in the columns of the display matrix 504, and, if they match, allowing the processor to respond to user inputs corresponding to selected matching numbers, to automatically cover the matching number in the display matrix 504 to indicate a match; and determining means for determining whether the display matrix 504 has five numbers matched in a row, five numbers matched in a column, five numbers matched in a diagonal, or all of the numbers have been matched, and, if so, generating a bingo indication signal for indicating a bingo condition to the user.

It is also provided in an alterate embodiment that the processor includes a second random number generator for each display region 506, where each of the second random number generators generates a random number and each generated random number belongs to the sixth set of random numbers. Each of the second random number generators generates a random number such that the sixth set of random numbers does not contain duplicate random numbers. Each of the second random number generators can generate a radom number in the range of 1 to 75.

The processor further includes a timer for clocking a predetermined time period substantially immediately after displaying the sixth set of random numbers. A timing icon 510 displayed by the GUI 500 represents the timer. The timing icon 510 includes a series of stacked bars 512 which count down the predetermined time period by being removed one-by-one starting from the top bar. The user is required to provide the user inputs corresponding to selected matching numbers before the timer clocks the predetermined period of time. The user is also required to select one or more numbers displayed in the display matrix 504 for being covered before the timer clocks the predetermined period of time, in the case where a joker or a super joker is displayed by the one or more display regions 506, as further described below with reference to FIGS. 5-14.

The GUI 500 further includes a score icon 514 for indicating the user's score, a spins icon 516 for indicating the current spin, and a free spins icon 518 for indicating how many free spins have been awarded to the user due to the appearance of a FREE SPIN icon in the display regions 506. The GUI 500 further includes icons 520, 522 for turning the sound and animation on and off, respectively.

An exemplary play of this embodiment would now be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 5-14. FIGS. 5-14 show ten sequential display screens, where each screen corresponds to one of ten spins of a single round. It is contemplated that the single round can include more or less spins.

FIG. 5 illustrates each block 505 of the five column by five row random number display matrix 504 displaying a random number selected from the range of 1 to 75 without repetition. FIG. 5 further illustrates the five display regions 506 displaying a random number selected from the range of 1 to 75 without repetition in response to a user input (the first of ten spins) via the actuation icon 508. The spins icon 516 indicates the numbered spin currently in play (spin number one) as the timing icon 510 clocks the predetermined period of time. The random numbers displayed from left to right in the five display regions 506 are 4, 25, 34, 55 and 67. The user determines there are no matches between the random number displayed by the display matrix 504 and the random numbers displayed by the display regions 506 and proceeds to select using an input or pointing device, such as a mouse, of the computing device the actuation icon 508 to initiate the second spin. The user did not realize during the predetermined period of time that the random number displayed by the second display region matches the random number displayed by the first row, first column of the display matrix 504.

FIG. 6 illustrates the five display regions 506 displaying a random number selected from the range of 1 to 75 in response to a user input (the second of ten spins) via the actuation icon 508. The spins icon 516 is updated to indicate the numbered spin currently in play (spin number two) as the timing icon 510 re-clocks the predetermined period of time. The random numbers displayed from left to right in the five display regions 506 are 12, 30, 43, 46 and 71. The user determines that the number 46 in the fourth display region from the left matches the random number in the fifth row, second column of the display matrix 504. As such, the user uses the pointing device to select the matched random number displayed by the display matrix 504. Upon receiving the user input, the matched random number displayed by the display matrix 504 is covered as shown by FIG. 6. Due to the number match within the predetermined period of time, the score icon 514 is increased by 400 points to give the user a total of 400 points, since each number match is worth 400 points. The points can be redeemed for prizes, money, incentives, etc. The processor determines that there are no bingo-like conditions after the number match.

FIG. 7 illustrates four of the five display regions 506 displaying a random number selected from the range of 1 to 75 in response to a user input (the third of ten spins) via the actuation icon 508. The third display region displays a joker 524. The spins icon 516 is updated to indicate the numbered spin currently in play (spin number three) as the timing icon 510 re-clocks the predetermined period of time. The random numbers and icon displayed from left to right in the five display regions 506 are 5, 21, a joker, 60 and 73. The user determines that the number 5 in the first display region matches the random number in the fourth row, second column of the display matrix 504. As such, the user uses the pointing device to select the matched random number displayed by the display matrix 504. Upon receiving the user input, the matched random number displayed by the display matrix 504 is covered as shown by FIG. 7. Due to the number match within the predetermined period of time, the score icon 514 is increased by 400 points to give the user a total of 800 points, since each number match is worth 400 points. The processor determines that there are no bingo-like conditions after the number match.

The user then decides to use the joker in the third display region to match the number 31 in the fourth row, third column of the display matrix 504. As such, the user uses the pointing device to select the number 31 displayed by the display matrix 504. Upon receiving the user input, the number 31 displayed by the display matrix 504 is covered as shown by FIG. 7. The processor determines that there are no bingo-like conditions after the number match. However, due to the number match within the predetermined period of time, the score icon 514 is increased by 400 points to give the user a total of 1200 points after the third spin is played. After the predetermined period of time, the user realized that the random number displayed by the second display region matches the random number displayed by the fifth row, first column of the display matrix 504. However, since the timer has clocked the predetermined period of time, the user can not match the random number displayed by the display matrix 504.

FIG. 8 illustrates three of the five display regions 506 displaying a random number selected from the range of 1 to 75 in response to a user input (the fourth of ten spins) via the actuation icon 508. The second display region displays a cherub (nullity) 526 and the fifth display region displays a joker 524. The spins icon 516 is updated to indicate the numbered spin currently in play (spin number four) as the timing icon 510 re-clocks the predetermined period of time. The random numbers and icons displayed from left to right in the five display regions 506 are 14, cherub, 41, 56 and a joker. The user determines that the number 14 in the first display region matches the random number in the third row, fourth column of the display matrix 504. The user also determines that the number 41 in the third display region matches the random number in the first row, fifth column of the display matrix 504. As such, the user uses the pointing device to select the matched random numbers displayed by the display matrix 504. Upon receiving the user inputs, the matched random numbers displayed by the display matrix 504 are covered as shown by FIG. 7. The processor determines that there are no bingo-like conditions after the number matches. However, due to the two number matches within the predetermined period of time, the score icon 514 is increased by 800 points to give the user a total of 2000 points, since each number match is worth 400 points.

The user then decides to use the joker in the fifth display region to match the number 24 in the fourth row, fifth column of the display matrix 504. As such, the user uses the pointing device to select the number 24 displayed by the display matrix 504. Upon receiving the user input, the number 24 displayed by the display matrix 504 is covered as shown by FIG. 8. The processor determines that there are no bingo-like conditions after the number match. However, due to the number match within the predetermined period of time, the score icon 514 is increased by 400 points to give the user a total of 2400 points after the fourth spin is played.

FIG. 9 illustrates four of the five display regions 506 displaying a random number selected from the range of 1 to 75 in response to a user input (the fifth of ten spins) via the actuation icon 508. The fifth display region displays a free spin 527. The spins icon 516 is updated to indicate the numbered spin currently in play (spin number five) and the free spins icon 518 is updated to indicate the user has one free spin as the timing icon 510 re-clocks the predetermined period of time. The random numbers and icon displayed from left to right in the five display regions 506 are 1, 23, 44, 59 and a free spin. The user determines that the number 1 in the first display region matches the random number in the second row, second column of the display matrix 504. As such, the user uses the pointing device to select the matched random number displayed by the display matrix 504. Upon receiving the user input, the matched random number displayed by the display matrix 504 is covered as shown by FIG. 9. The processor determines that there are no bingo-like conditions after the number match. However, due to the number match within the predetermined period of time, the score icon 514 is increased by 400 points to give the user a total of 2800 points, since each number match is worth 400 points. The user did not realize during the predetermined period of time that the random number displayed by the fourth display region matches the random number displayed by the first row, third column of the display matrix 504.

FIG. 10 illustrates three of the five display regions 506 displaying a random number selected from the range of 1 to 75 in response to a user input (the sixth of ten spins) via the actuation icon 508. The second and fifth display regions display a devil 528 and a joker 524, respectively. The spins icon 516 is updated to indicate the numbered spin currently in play (spin number six) as the timing icon 510 re-clocks the predetermined period of time. The random numbers and icons displayed from left to right in the five display regions 506 are 10, a devil, 45, 57 and a joker. The devil 528 causes the user to lose half his winning points or 1400 points to give the user a total of 1400 points prior to matching any numbers during the current spin. It is contemplated that the game can be modified such that the display of the devil 528 causes a predetermined percentage other than 50% of the user's points to be lost.

The user determines that the number 10 in the first display region matches the random number in the second row, third column of the display matrix 504. As such, the user uses the pointing device to select the matched random number displayed by the display matrix 504. Upon receiving the user input, the matched random number displayed by the display matrix 504 is covered as shown by FIG. 10. The processor determines that there are no bingo-like conditions after the number match. However, due to the number match within the predetermined period of time, the score icon 514 is increased by 400 points to give the user a total of 1800 points, since each number match is worth 400 points.

The user then decides to use the joker in the fifth display region to match the number 22 in the third row, fifth column of the display matrix 504. As such, the user uses the pointing device to select the number 22 displayed by the display matrix 504. Upon receiving the user input, the number 22 displayed by the display matrix 504 is covered as shown by FIG. 10. The processor determines that there are no bingo-like conditions after the number match. However, due to the number match within the predetermined period of time, the score icon 514 is increased by 400 points to give the user a total of 2200 points after the sixth spin is played.

FIG. 11 illustrates two of the five display regions 506 displaying a random number selected from the range of 1 to 75 in response to a user input (the seventh of ten spins) via the actuation icon 508. The third, fourth and fifth display regions display a joker 524. The spins icon 516 is updated to indicate the numbered spin currently in play (spin number seven) as the timing icon 510 re-clocks the predetermined period of time. The random numbers and icons displayed from left to right in the five display regions 506 are 6, 29, a joker, a joker and a joker. The appearance of three jokers automatically awards the user 2000 points to give the user a total of 4200 points.

The user determines that the numbers 6 and 29 do not match any numbers in the display matrix 504. The user then decides to use the joker in the third display region to match the number 48 in the third row, third column of the display matrix 504. As such, the user uses the pointing device to select the number 48 displayed by the display matrix 504. Upon receiving the user input, the number 48 displayed by the display matrix 504 is covered as shown by FIG. 11. The processor determines that there are no bingo-like conditions after the number match. However, due to the number match within the predetermined period of time, the score icon 514 is increased by 400 points to give the user a total of 4600 points.

The user then decides to use the joker in the fourth display region to match the number 36 in the second row, fourth column of the display matrix 504. As such, the user uses the pointing device to select the number 36 displayed by the display matrix 504. Upon receiving the user input, the number 36 displayed by the display matrix 504 is covered as shown by FIG. 11. The processor determines that there are no bingo-like conditions after the number match. However, due to the number match within the predetermined period of time, the score icon 514 is increased by another 400 points to give the user a total of 5000 points.

The user then decides to use the joker in the fifth display region to match the number 66 in the second row, fifth column of the display matrix 504. As such, the user uses the pointing device to select the number 66 displayed by the display matrix 504. Upon receiving the user input, the number 66 displayed by the display matrix 504 is covered as shown by FIG. 11. The processor determines that there are no bingo-like conditions after the number match. However, due to the number match within the predetermined period of time, the score icon 514 is increased by another 400 points to give the user a total of 5400 points after the seventh spin is played.

FIG. 12 illustrates three of the five display regions 506 displaying a random number selected from the range of 1 to 75 in response to a user input (the eighth of ten spins) via the actuation icon 508. The fourth and fifth display regions display a joker 524. The spins icon 516 is updated to indicate the numbered spin currently in play (spin number eight) as the timing icon 510 re-clocks the predetermined period of time. The random numbers and icons displayed from left to right in the five display regions 506 are 3, 21, 31, a joker and a joker.

The user determines that the number 3 in the first display region matches the random number in the fifth row, third column of the display matrix 504. As such, the user uses the pointing device to select the matched random number displayed by the display matrix 504. Upon receiving the user input, the matched random number displayed by the display matrix 504 is covered as shown by FIG. 12. The processor determines that there are no bingo-like conditions after the number match. However, due to the number match within the predetermined period of time, the score icon 514 is increased by 400 points to give the user a total of 5800 points, since each number match is worth 400 points.

The user then decides to use the joker in the fourth display region to match the number 68 in the fourth row, fourth column of the display matrix 504. As such, the user uses the pointing device to select the number 68 displayed by the display matrix 504. Upon receiving the user input, the number 68 displayed by the display matrix 504 is covered as shown by FIG. 12. The processor determines that there are no bingo-like conditions after the number match. However, due to the number match within the predetermined period of time, the score icon 514 is increased by 400 points to give the user a total of 6200 points.

The user then decides to use the joker in the fifth display region to match the number 62 in the fifth row, fifth column of the display matrix 504. As such, the user uses the pointing device to select the number 62 displayed by the display matrix 504. Upon receiving the user input, the number 62 displayed by the display matrix 504 is covered as shown by FIG. 12. The processor determines that there is a bingo-like condition after the number match; all of the random numbers originally displayed by the display matrix 504 in the fifth column have been covered up. Due to the number match and the occurrence of the bingo-like condition within the predetermined period of time, the score icon 514 is increased by 2400 points to give the user a total of 8600 points after the eight spin. The bingo-like condition is worth 2000 points.

The user did not realize during the predetermined period of time that the random number displayed by the second display region matches the random number displayed by the fifth row, first column of the display matrix 504. This match would have given the user another bingo-like condition (diagonally) and another 2400 points.

FIG. 13 illustrates the five display regions 506 displaying a random number selected from the range of 1 to 75 in response to a user input (the ninth of ten spins) via the actuation icon 508. The spins icon 516 is updated to indicate the numbered spin currently in play (spin number nine) as the timing icon 510 re-clocks the predetermined period of time. The random numbers displayed from left to right in the five display regions 506 are 6, 25, 44, 47 and 69.

The user determines that the number 25 in the second display region matches the random number in the first row, first column of the display matrix 504. As such, the user uses the pointing device to select the matched random number displayed by the display matrix 504. Upon receiving the user input, the matched random number displayed by the display matrix 504 is covered as shown by FIG. 13. The processor determines that there is a bingo-like condition after the number match. Due to the number match within the predetermined period of time and the occurrence of the bingo-like condition, the score icon 514 is increased by 2400 points to give the user a total of 11000 points after the ninth spin, since each number match is worth 400 points and the bingo-like condition is worth 2000 points.

FIG. 14 illustrates three of the five display regions 506 displaying a random number selected from the range of 1 to 75 in response to a user input (the tenth of ten spins) via the actuation icon 508. The third display region display a gold coin 530 which automatically awards the user 2000 points to give the user a total of 13000 points. The spins icon 516 is updated to indicate the numbered spin currently in play (spin number ten) as the timing icon 510 re-clocks the predetermined period of time. The random numbers and icons displayed from left to right in the five display regions 506 are 3, 30, a gold coin, a joker and 68.

The user determines that the numbers 3, 30 and 68 do not match any numbers in the display matrix 504. The user then decides to use the joker in the fourth display region to match the number 35 in the fifth row, fourth column of the display matrix 504. As such, the user uses the pointing device to select the number 35 displayed by the display matrix 504. Upon receiving the user input, the number 35 displayed by the display matrix 504 is covered as shown by FIG. 14. The processor determines that there are no bingo-like conditions after the number match. However, due to the number match within the predetermined period of time, the score icon 514 is increased by 400 points to give the user a total of 13400 points after the tenth spin and after the end of the round.

Another icon which can be displayed by the display regions 506, and not shown by the figures, is the super joker which is mentioned above. The super joker enables the user to match any number on the display matrix 504. Unlike the joker 524, with the super joker the user is not limited to matching a number in a column corresponding to the display region displaying the joker 524.

An additional feature of the game includes enabling the user to purchase additional spins using his acquired points. For example, if the game has a total of 20 spins, the user is given the option of purchasing the 17^(th) through 20^(th) spin using the points acquired during the previous 16 spins. If the user does not want to purchase any additional spins, the game ends, unless the user has one or more free spins to use.

The disclosed systems may also be configured with input devices simulating a slot machine activating arm and coin slot as would be typically found in a slot machine for playing bingo in the prior art. The display regions 506 can also be configured as wheels which spin upon activation of the activating arm. Further, the input devices may be trackballs or other pointing and GUI devices, and the selectable display regions may include LED or LCD displays, which may be fixed in a housing or mounted on the spinning wheels of a slot machine. Further still, the cherub, gold coin, joker, super joker, free spin and devil icons can be referred as special positions.

The game can be implemented as a set of programmable instructions and game resources (graphics, audio, video, alphanumeric text, etc.) capable of being executed by a general purpose processor or a hard-wired special-purpose processor for playing the game. The set of programmable instructions and game resources can be stored on a computer-readable medium, including optical, magnetic and opto-magnetic media.

Accordingly, while the disclosed computer-based system and method have been particularly shown and described with reference to the preferred embodiments, it is understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. 

1. A device for playing a bingo-style game comprising: an input device for receiving user inputs; a display for displaying a graphic user interface (GUI) including: a five column by five row random number display matrix; five display regions; and at least one actuation icon; and a processor, responsive to the user inputs, for executing an application program to cause the display of the GUI, the processor including a first random number generator for generating five sets of random numbers for display by the five column by five row random number display matrix, wherein the five sets of random numbers are generated such that each set includes random numbers within a predetermined range; and each set of random numbers is generated without repetition within the respective set and the other sets; wherein the processor comprises: a second random number generator, responsive to a user input corresponding to actuation of the at least one actuation icon by the user, for generating a sixth set of random numbers, wherein each random number of the sixth set of random numbers is displayed by a respective one of the five display regions; comparing means for comparing the sixth set of random numbers with the numbers of the display matrix, and, if they match, allowing the processor to respond to user inputs corresponding to selected matching numbers, wherein a random number of the sixth set can match a random number in any column of the display matrix; and determining means for determining whether the display matrix has five numbers matched in a row, five numbers matched in a column, five numbers matched in a diagonal, or all of the numbers of the display matrix have been matched, and, if so, generating a bingo indication signal for indicating a bingo condition.
 2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the first and second random number generators, the comparing means, and the determining means are implemented in software and operated on a computer system.
 3. The device according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined range is 1 to 75, and wherein the user is awarded a predetermined number of points for each bingo condition.
 4. The device according to claim 1, wherein the processor further comprises means for automatically covering the matching number in the display matrix; and wherein the display displays uncovered random numbers with a predetermined colored background, and displays covered random numbers with a predetermined display image.
 5. The device according to claim 1, wherein the processor further comprises a timer for clocking a predetermined period of time substantially immediately after each random number of the sixth set of random numbers is displayed by the respective one of the five display regions.
 6. The device according to claim 1, wherein the sixth set further includes symbols selected from the group consisting of a symbol which causes the user to lose a percentage of his total points; a symbol which awards the user a predetermined number of points; a nullity symbol; a symbol which enables any random number in a corresponding column of the display matrix to be matched; a symbol which enables any random number in the display matrix to be matched; and a symbol which awards the user a free spin.
 7. An apparatus for playing a bingo-style game comprising: a display matrix having five columns and five rows, each column and row combination defining a block, the display matrix capable of displaying a number within each block of the matrix; at least one first random number generator for generating random numbers to be displayed in each block of the display matrix; at least one second random number generator for generating and displaying at least one random number to be compared with the random numbers displayed in each block of the display matrix, the number of second random number generators equal to the number of columns of the display matrix, wherein the second random number generators can generate special positions in addition to the random numbers; an activator including an arm device for activating each of the at least one second random number generator to respectively display one of a random number and a special position selected from the at least one special position; and a comparator for comparing the random numbers generated by the at least one second random number generator with the random numbers displayed in any column of the display matrix, said comparator further causing a block of the display matrix to indicate a match if said block has a random number displayed therein which matches the random number generated by the at least one second random number generator after receiving at least one user input confirming said match; a determining device for determining whether the display matrix has five numbers matched in a row, five numbers matched in a column, five numbers matched in a diagonal, or all of the numbers of the display matrix have been matched, and, if so, generating a bingo indication signal; and an indicator, responsive to the bingo indication signal, for indicating a bingo condition to a user.
 8. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the number displayed in each block of the display matrix is a number within the range of 1 to 75, and further comprising a timer for clocking a predetermined period of time after the at least one second random number generator displays one of the random number and the special position.
 9. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the special position is selected from the group consisting of a special position which causes the user to lose a percentage of his total points; a special position which awards the user a predetermined number of points; a nullity special position; a special position which enables any random number in a corresponding column of the display matrix to be matched; a special position which enables any random number in the display matrix to be matched; and a special position which awards the user a free spin.
 10. A slot machine for playing a bingo-style game comprising: a five column by five row random number display matrix; a random number generator for generating five sets of random numbers for display by the five column by five row random number display matrix, wherein the five sets of random numbers are generated such that each set includes random numbers from a predetermined range and each set of random numbers is generated without repetition within the respective set and the other sets; five wheels, each wheel having selectable positions and each wheel capable of spinning and stopping randomly to select one of the wheel positions; an activating arm for causing the wheels to spin and then stop at randomly selected positions; a slot receiving device for receiving credit and allowing a player to use the activating arm; a comparator for comparing at least one number selected by at least one of the wheels with the numbers in any column of the display matrix and if they match causing the display matrix to indicate a match; and a determining device for determining whether the display matrix has five numbers matched in a row, five numbers matched in a column, five numbers matched in a diagonal, or all of the numbers of the display matrix have been matched, and, if so, generating a bingo indication signal for indicating a bingo condition.
 11. The slot machine according to claim 10, wherein the machine is implemented in software and played on a computer system.
 12. The slot machine according to claim 10, wherein the machine is implemented as a video game.
 13. The slot machine according to claim 10, wherein the predetermined range is 1 to 75, and wherein the user is awarded a predetermined number of points for each bingo condition.
 14. The slot machine according to claim 10, further comprising a timer for clocking a predetermined period of time after each wheel stops.
 15. The slot machine according to claim 10, wherein the wheel positions include special positions selected from the group consisting of a special position which causes the user to lose a percentage of his total points; a special position which awards the user a predetermined number of points; a nullity special position; a special position which enables any random number in a corresponding column of the display matrix to be matched; a special position which enables any random number in the display matrix to be matched; and a special position which awards the user a free spin.
 16. A method for playing a bingo-style game comprising the steps of: displaying a display matrix having five columns and five rows, each column and row combination defining a block, the display matrix capable of displaying a number within each block of the matrix; generating five sets of random numbers for display by the five column by five row random number display matrix, wherein the five sets of random numbers are generated such that each set includes random numbers from a predetermined range and each set of random numbers is generated without repetition within the respective set and the other sets; generating and displaying at least one random number outside the display matrix; and comparing the at least one random number displayed outside the display matrix with the random numbers displayed in any column of the display matrix and causing a block of the display matrix to indicate a match if said block has a random number displayed therein which matches the random number displayed outside the display matrix after receiving at least one user matching input confirming said match; and determining whether the display matrix has five numbers matched in a row, five numbers matched in a column, five numbers matched in a diagonal, or all the numbers of the display matrix have been matched.
 17. The method according to claim 16, further comprising the step of generating and displaying special positions outside the display matrix, wherein the special positions are selected from the group consisting of a special position which causes the user to lose a percentage of his total points; a special position which awards the user a predetermined number of points; a nullity special position; a special position which enables any random number in a corresponding column of the display matrix to be matched; a special position which enables any random number in the display matrix to be matched; and a special position which awards the user a free spin.
 18. The method according to claim 16, further comprising the step of generating a bingo indication signal for indicating a bingo condition to a user if the determining step determines the display matrix has five numbers matched in a row, five numbers matched in a column, five numbers matched in a diagonal, or all the numbers of the display matrix have been matched.
 19. The method according to claim 16, wherein the random numbers displayed in each block of the display matrix are selected from the range of 1 to
 75. 20. The method according to claim 16, further comprising the steps of: clocking a predetermined period of time after the step of generating and displaying at least one random number outside the display matrix; and preventing the receipt of the at least one user matching input after the predetermined period of time has been clocked.
 21. A computer-readable medium storing a set of programmable instructions and game resources capable of being executed by a processor for playing a game comprising the steps of: displaying a display matrix having five columns and five rows, each column and row combination defining a block, the display matrix capable of displaying a number within each block of the matrix; generating five sets of random numbers for display by the five column by five row random number display matrix, wherein the five sets of random numbers are generated such that each set includes random numbers from a predetermined range and each set of random numbers is generated without repetition within the respective set and the other sets; generating and displaying at least one random number outside the display matrix; and comparing the at least one random number displayed outside the display matrix with the random numbers displayed in any column of the display matrix and causing a block of the display matrix to indicate a match if said block has a random number displayed therein which matches the random number displayed outside the display matrix after receiving at least one user matching input confirming said match; and determining whether the display matrix has five numbers matched in a row, five numbers matched in a column, five numbers matched in a diagonal, or all the numbers of the display matrix have been matched.
 22. The computer-readable medium according to claim 21, wherein the processor further executes the set of programmable instructions and game resources for performing the step of generating and displaying special positions outside the display matrix, wherein the special positions are selected from the group consisting of a special position which causes the user to lose a percentage of his total points; a special position which awards the user a predetermined number of points; a nullity special position; a special position which enables any random number in a corresponding column of the display matrix to be matched; a special position which enables any random number in the display matrix to be matched; and a special position which awards the user a free spin.
 23. The computer-readable medium according to claim 21, wherein the processor further executes the set of programmable instructions and game resources for performing the step of generating a bingo indication signal for indicating a bingo condition to a user if the determining step determines the display matrix has five numbers matched in a row, five numbers matched in a column, five numbers matched in a diagonal, or all the numbers of the display matrix have been matched.
 24. The computer-readable medium according to claim 21, wherein the random numbers displayed in each block of the display matrix are selected from the range of 1 to
 75. 25. The computer-readable medium according to claim 21, wherein the processor further executes the set of programmable instructions and game resources for performing the steps of: clocking a predetermined period of time after the step of generating and displaying at least one random number outside the display matrix; and preventing the receipt of the at least one user matching input after the predetermined period of time has been clocked. 